Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting is a useful survey technique that can provide dating and evidence of former land-use. Our group will usually run metal detecting surveys in conjunction with field walking, to give a more complete picture of the variety of finds and metal artefacts present across any land being investigated. Ferrous and/or non-ferrous items are collected from the topsoil in order to gain maximum information from a site. Any metal detecting is carried out to specific project designs that meet the aims and objectives of our investigation of any site and only with the prior agreement of the landowner.

Methodology

The methodology is systematic to ensure comprehensive data collection:

Systematic Survey: A grid is laid out over the field. We will usually mark out a set of 30m x 30m grids (using highly accurate GPS equipment). The same set of grids is used for field walking, metal detecting, magnetometry and/or resistivity, allowing the resulting maps from each different survey to be directly overlaid to ensure the effective comparison of results.
Collection and Recording: A team of detectorists lines up and moves across the field following this grid system. Each person is responsible for detecting a specific 30m x 30m grid or width of ground within a grid, collecting and bagging any ferrous or non-ferrous items they find. The location of each find is carefully recorded by GPS location or the individual grid number.
Analysis: The collected data is later analyzed and plotted on distribution maps. The density and types of metal artefacts can be used to identify both the nature and period of past activity.

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